Abstract: A system and method to form a medical construct using surgical rods and connectors. A pair of surgical rods such as those used in fusing vertebrae of the spine are attached to each other with connectors to form a medical construct. The connector includes a plate with a pair of double hook bolts which are attached to the rods. The double hook bolts and rods may be used to provide a rigid or semi-rigid medical construct depending upon the attachment of the double hook bolts with the plate. The connector is assembled prior to the surgical procedure and eliminates any need for manipulating small washers, screws and bolts during installation of the medical apparatus within a patient.

Abstract: A flexible planar pad having a top, bottom, side edges, and opposite leg engaging surfaces. The leg engaging surfaces comprises a soft resilient material so that the skin and flesh of the inner portion of a patient's legs will be protected from abrasive action. A first strap means is secured to the pad adjacent its upper end for securing the pad to a patient's leg just above the knee. A second strap means is secured to the pad adjacent the bottom thereof for securing the pad to the patient's leg just above the ankle. A third strap means can be used alternately and it is secured to the pad just below the knee portion to again secure the pad to the leg of the patient just below the knee.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a strap around a vein at the site of a defective venous valve includes a handle portion and a removable cartridge. One end of the strap is anchored on the anvil of the cartridge and the free end is looped around the vein and passed through an opening in the cartridge to overlie the anchored end. The free end of the strap is connected to a strap puller within the cartridge which is coupled to a strap puller extension within the handle when the cartridge is inserted in the handle. The perimeter of the loop is adjusted by moving the tensioner on the handle. When the loop perimeter is at its desired value, the triggers on the handle are pressed to drive a staple through the overlying portion of the strap. A knife within the cartridge cuts the excess strap from the loop.

Abstract: A cervical collar including front and back halves adapted to fit around the neck, and an adjustable strap for releasably securing the halves in position on the neck. The halves of the collar are made from a laminate having outer layers of a foamed polymeric material and an inner layer of a solid, non-foamed thermoplastic material. The foam layes provide padding and comfort, and the solid layers provide rigidity and support to immobilize the head and neck. In one embodiment there is provided a large hole in the front most portion of the collar to accommodate the Adam's apple. In another embodiment, the strap is attached to the back half by looping it through parallel slots formed in the rearmost portion of the collar which are narrower than the width of the strap adjacent the slots, and attached to the front half by stitching at the ends thereof.